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BIPV - Building Integrated Photovoltaics

Qualification services for building integrated PV (BIPV) and building attached PV (BAPV) | TÜV Rheinland

Reliable and compliant with our BIPV qualification services

Building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are increasingly popular with architects and designers looking to save space and protect aesthetic value. BIPV modules and solar-thermal collectors must be safety approved and prequalified for durability and performance according to international construction material codes or those of a particular country. In Europe, for example, both the European CPR 305/2011 Construction Product Regulation requirements as well as the relevant national building codes must be met.

We provide comprehensive testing according to regulatory statutes applicable to qualify your PV component for a particular building location. Our services include test mark certifications relevant to BIPV product qualification and individual governmental mandates. We conduct safety assessments, measure performance and evaluate the reliability of your BIPV products.

We help you to ensure the durability and regulatory compliance of your BIPV and provide you up-to-date support on various national requirements.

Make sure your BIPV products qualify for use in your targeted market!

Clear, compliant and cost-efficient with BIPV qualification

Qualification Services for BIPV and BAPV | TÜV Rheinland

Our experts are well versed in diverse regulations affecting global markets. We are always up to date on current changes or additions to any and every applicable BIPV standard. We help you reduce risk, ensure fire safety, build trust among your customers and business partners, and lower approval costs with combinations of national requirements. We make sure you are prepared with everything you need to submit appropriate government applications while you take advantage of improving your products with pre-testing in the development phase. We provide you comprehensive services from a single source to save you money and shorten your time to market.

Our BIPV qualification services

We conduct comprehensive testing procedures for building integrated- and building attached photovoltaic modules according to national and international requirements. In addition to international electro technical standards, construction codes are also relevant as soon as the PV component is integrated into a shell of a building.

These construction codes can govern areas such as:

  • Function
  • Performance
  • Fire safety
  • Noise protection
  • Thermal insulation
  • Rain / weather tightness


Our range of services includes:

  • Testing and assessment of BIPV products
  • Certification of BIPV glass as laminated safety glass in our accredited laboratory
  • Testing of leak tightness against driving rain and inhomogeneous snow loads for integrated roof systems.
  • Fire safety qualification check of construction products
  • Determining noise insulating and absorption properties
  • Dynamic wind stress testing according to window and façade standards
  • Structural analysis and stability of modules and mounting systems
  • Yield and glare reports / determining heat and light transmissions
  • Deriving adhesive strength with tensile and shear load testing
  • Developing and applying adapted BIPV test methods
  • Monitoring and evaluating temperature and performance characteristics on roofs or facades
  • Expertise in worldwide BIPV standards
  • Mechanical, thermal and electrical fire safety
  • Power checks (Power Controlled)
  • Risk assessments
  • Long-term and reliability studies
  • Guidance on all issues regarding BIPV reliability and safety


The standards to which we test include but are not limited to:

EN 50583 Photovoltaics in buildings
EN 50583-1Photovoltaics in buildings part 1: BIPV Modules
EN 50583-2Photovoltaics in buildings part 2: BIPV Systems
EN 15601Hygrothermal performance of buildings
EN 14449Glass in building laminated glass/safety glass
IEC 61730Photovoltaic module safety qualification
IEC 61215-seriesTerrestrial PV modules - design qualification and type approval
MCS 017Product Certification Scheme Requirements: Bespoke Building Integrated Photovoltaic Products

Your experienced partner

We have actively conducted R&D to develop adapted test methods and standards as well as fire safety guidelines for building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and building added photovoltaics (BAPV) products. Our recognized and respected global footprint allows us access to lucrative markets around the world. We provide both materials and PV testing from a single source, providing you a one-stop-shop for all your BIPV qualification needs.

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Solar and Photovoltaic (PV) Services

Services for PV Module Manufacturers

We answer your questions

As with any evolving technology, you may have questions regarding how BIPV modules are being used in new construction and which regulatory standards and requirements apply. Our experts have provided you some answers here.

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What are BIPV modules?

In addition to providing a renewable source of energy, BIPV modules take the role of a construction element to provide added functionality to the building. These elements can include sun protection (e.g. shading structures) as well as thermal insulation, noise protection, or safety (e.g. roof tiles, façade cladding, glazed surfaces).

What is the relation between BIPV and nearly zero-energy buildings (NZEBs)?

Starting in 2020, every new building must meet the nearly zero-energy requirements according to the new 2010/31/EU European Directive. This will impact the construction design by mandating a reduction in the overall energy demand of a building to include the integration of renewable energies such as photovoltaic (in a form of a BIPV module) or solar thermal technologies.

Why TÜV Rheinland?

We are your recognized global partner with extensive knowledge in national requirements and a deep understanding of quality assurance and risk mitigation measures. We provide you comprehensive services from a single source to ensure your access to competitive and lucrative world markets.

Our Sustainability Initiatives

Nothing less than the future is at stake. Companies, institutions, public authorities and each and every one of us can play a positive role in shaping the path to tomorrow. We provide you with comprehensive support to ensure that you operate safely, sustainably and efficiently for many years to come.

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